Kevon Looney: An example of strong performance - with power and humility
I’m a Bay Area native, and on a recent visit to The Chase Center in my home of San Francisco - the home-court of the NBA basketball team the Golden State Warriors - I was drawn to this powerful and intimate image of the player Kevon Looney.
Looney is an inspiration to me - and one I share with my clients - because he models focus and humility with a remarkable level of growth and performance in his craft. Professional athletes often express big (too big..?) ego, and need to be the center of attention. 👎
Many of my clients express a more quiet power, and want to succeed without spending so much time in the spotlight. And I get it. This makes so much sense to me. When I’m practicing leadership skills like influence and relationship-building with clients with a more inward style, they ask how they can compete effectively at work when the big, loud ego’s of their colleagues seem to be rewarded.
The answer is simple to understand, but requires coaching and practice to master
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Return to the basics, like Kevon, and practice them day after day:
Collaborate even when it’s awkward
Be adaptable to the changing vibe at work, and do what you can do with an accepting mindset
If you don’t praise yourself, practice noticing when you step-into challenging moments. Pause and acknowledge your gifts.
And praise the work of someone else at least once a day. Be brief, simple and clear, and share this energy with those you don’t know well.
More of the basics are below, courtesy of an AI assistant. The ideas are not groundbreaking, but they are positive, relevant and helpful. They help us practice.
Applying the skills and talents of a basketball player like Kevon Looney to advancing our career involves identifying and leveraging transferable qualities. Here are some aspects of Kevon Looney's skills that can help us grow and thrive at work:
1. Teamwork and Collaboration
- Kevon Looney excels at working within a team, understanding the importance of collaboration to achieve common goals. This skill is crucial in a workplace where teamwork is essential. Emphasize your ability to work effectively with others, share credit for successes, and contribute positively to group dynamics.
2. Adaptability and Flexibility
- Basketball players, including Looney, often face rapidly changing game situations. Highlight your ability to adapt to new circumstances, be flexible in your approach to tasks, and thrive in dynamic environments. Employers value individuals who can adjust to changing business landscapes.
3. Work Ethic and Determination
- Looney's work ethic is evident in his commitment to improving his skills and contributing to his team's success. Showcase your determination, strong work ethic, and commitment to achieving both personal and professional goals. Employers appreciate individuals who consistently strive for excellence.
4. Communication Skills
- Effective communication is crucial in both sports and the professional world. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and concisely, whether it's presenting ideas, providing feedback, or working with diverse teams. Effective communication fosters a positive and productive work environment.
5. Resilience in the Face of Challenges
- Basketball players often encounter setbacks and challenges during games. Showcase instances where you have faced challenges in your career and how you demonstrated resilience, learned from the experiences, and bounced back stronger. Employers appreciate individuals who can handle adversity with grace.
6. Attention to Detail and Focus
- Basketball requires attention to detail and intense focus. Emphasize your ability to pay attention to the finer points of projects and tasks, minimizing errors and ensuring quality work. Detail-oriented individuals are often sought after in professional settings.
7. Leadership Skills
- Even if you're not in a formal leadership role, highlight instances where you've demonstrated leadership qualities, such as motivating others, taking initiative, or being a positive influence on team morale. Leadership skills are valuable in various career contexts.
8. Continuous Learning and Improvement
- Kevon Looney is known for his commitment to continuous improvement. Showcase your willingness to learn, adapt, and grow professionally. Highlight any training, certifications, or additional education you've pursued to enhance your skills and knowledge.
When translating sports skills to a professional setting, it's crucial to frame your experiences in a way that aligns with the specific needs and values of the industry or company you're targeting. Use specific examples from your career to demonstrate how you embody these skills and how they have contributed to your success and the success of your team.